Rare VFL appearance for Chris Judd

Two-time Brownlow medallist Chris Judd will play his first game in the VFL, 13 years into his stellar career.

Carlton has resisted the temptation to rush back the six-time All-Australian for Friday night's match against Geelong at Etihad Stadium, instead leaving Judd to continue his comeback from a hamstring injury in the state league.

Carlton has named Judd in the Northern Blues team to play Sandringham on Saturday.

It means Judd is almost certain to return for Carlton's next game against Hawthorn at the MCG next Friday night, provided he gets through the VFL hit-out at Visy Park unscathed.

It's understood Judd played one game in the WAFL when he was with West Coast.

Carlton vice-captain Andrew Carrazzo on Thursday flagged the possibility of Judd making a rare VFL appearance.

''It's his first game back after a long spell and having only played five minutes of footy earlier in the year, it is going to take him some time to find his place and his role out there," Carrazzo said.